WALLABIES forward Hugh McMeniman will make his long-awaited return from injury when he lines up for the Western Force ‘A’ side on Friday night.

McMeniman has been sidelined since undergoing a complicated shoulder reconstruction last August.

The 30-year-old looms as a key player for the Force this season, and will line up in the reserves side for their clash with Samoa A.

The main Force team will then take on an Argentinian Pampas XV.

Should McMeniman make it through the hit-out unscathed, he would be a chance to appear in the Force’s season opener against NSW Waratahs on February 23, or the home clash with the Brumbies on March 1.

Matt Hodgson will captain the man Force side that also features Wallabies No.8 Ben McCalman and winger Nick Cummins, as well as new recruits Zack Homes, Wilhelm Steenkamp, Marcel Brache and Luke Morahan,

The Force will be looking to notch another good win after their 69-3 thrashing of Samoa A last week.

The Pampas XV will use the match as part of their preparations for the 2014 Pacific Nations Cup, with their 30-man squad including 18 players with international Test experience.

“Last week was a good start and it’s important that we step it up again this week,” coach Michael Foley said.

“While our attitude in defence was very good, we appreciate that the Pampas XV - and Samoa A with a game under their belt - will pose a far greater challenge this week.”